Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust and the client feeling safe to disclose highly sensitive subject matter. The law protects the relationship between the client and therapist, and information shared in session cannot be disclosed without written permission.
This confidentiality will always be maintained except in the following situations:
- Suspected child or elder abuse, for which the therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, the therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, the therapist will make every effort to enlist the clients cooperation in ensuring his or her safety. If the client doesn't cooperate, the therapist will take further measures without their permission to ensure their safety.
Sometimes, however, the client may want the therapist to share information or give an update to someone on the client's healthcare team (ie. Physician, Naturopath, Attorney). This information can only be released by obtaining the client's written or verbal permission.